Divine Rising NYC

Housing Resources

FHEPS, CityFHEPS, NYCHA, Section 8, shelter, and DV housing — every NYC option explained with exactly where to apply.

FHEPS vs. CityFHEPS — What's the Difference?

Two of the most common rental assistance vouchers for NYC families:

  • FHEPS (Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement) — Requires a Cash Assistance case. Apply at ACCESS HRA or an HRA Benefit Access Center.
  • CityFHEPS (City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement) — Cash Assistance case is NOT required. Income at or below 200% Federal Poverty Level. Apply through Homebase if facing eviction.

For a full overview of all NYC housing resources: NYC Housing Resources Guide (2026) from the Benefits Plus Learning Center.

CityFHEPS — Key Facts

  • You pay 30% of your monthly income toward rent; the voucher covers the rest
  • Max rent covered (effective April 1, 2026): Studio $2,604 · 1BR $2,734 · 2BR $2,997 · 3BR $3,753 · 4BR $4,077
  • Can be used anywhere in New York State
  • Voucher lasts up to 5 years with extensions available
  • Public Housing residents and Section 8 voucher holders do not qualify

CityFHEPS Income Limits — 200% FPL (2026)

  • 1 person: $31,920/year
  • 2 people: $43,280/year
  • 3 people: $54,640/year
  • 4 people: $66,000/year
  • 5 people: $77,360/year
  • 6 people: $88,720/year

How to Apply for CityFHEPS

Facing eviction: You must have an active eviction case in NYC Housing Court or have been formally evicted within the past 12 months. Apply through your local Homebase office. Bring: eviction court papers or marshal notice, proof of income, government-issued ID for all adults, and lease or proof of tenancy.

Find Homebase: maps.nyc.gov/homebase · Homebase Locations

In shelter: Shelter residents cannot apply directly. The NYC Department of Social Services uses automatic data matching to identify eligible households. Keep communication open with your case manager and check in regularly.

Important: Only a licensed NYC broker can assist you in finding an apartment that accepts a housing voucher.

Once you receive your voucher, connect with multiple brokers in the area you wish to live. The more brokers you contact, the better your chances of finding a landlord who accepts the voucher within your time limit.

DHS Shelter — PATH Intake for Families

If your family is experiencing homelessness, PATH is NYC's 24/7 entry point to family shelter and housing services.

PATH — Prevention Assistance & Temporary Housing

151 East 151st Street, Bronx, NY 10451

718-546-6400 · Open 24/7

Once in shelter, you have access to: housing vouchers (CityFHEPS), benefits enrollment (SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance), employment services, legal services, childcare voucher priority, and children's services.

Your Child's School Rights While in Shelter

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, your child has the right to: stay enrolled in their school of origin, free transportation to that school, and immediate enrollment in a new school even without records or immunizations.

DOE Office of Pupil Transportation: 718-392-6000 · Family Welcome Center: 718-935-2009

NYCHA Public Housing

The New York City Housing Authority manages public housing developments across all 5 boroughs. The waitlist is long — apply as soon as possible to lock in your place.

  • Must be 18+; at least one member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant
  • Income limits generally at or below 50% of Area Median Income
  • Priority categories: Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, DV survivors, working families, families displaced by disasters
  • Apply online at selfserve.nycha.info
  • Your application is active for 2 years — you must renew every 24 months or lose your place
  • Questions: 718-707-7771 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm)

Section 8 — Housing Choice Voucher

The NYCHA Section 8 waitlist is currently closed to new applicants (as of August 2025). The waitlist reopened in June 2024 for the first time in 15 years — over 638,000 people applied for 200,000 spots. If you are already on the waitlist, check your status at selfserve.nycha.info and renew your application every 2 years. Monitor NYCHA's Section 8 page for any future reopening.

NYC Housing Connect Lottery

NYC's official portal for affordable housing lotteries. New listings open regularly across all 5 boroughs — income-restricted rentals and homeownership opportunities. Free to apply and open to any eligible NYC resident.

Selection is random — not first-come, first-served. Apply to every listing you qualify for. Apply at: housingconnect.nyc.gov

DV Shelters — Priority Housing Access

DV survivors who enter shelter receive priority access to CityFHEPS housing vouchers and NYCHA placement. Shelter addresses are confidential. Legal advocates on-site help with orders of protection, custody, and immigration. To find a DV shelter: NYC Hotline 1-800-621-4673

Housing Help & Legal Rights